Algonquin Village Board Election 2021: Bob Smith

ALGONQUIN, IL — Four candidates are running for three open seats on the Algonquin Village Board this spring.

Patch.com recently sent surveys to candidates running for this year's local election. Here are the responses for Robert Smith:

Age (as of Election Day)

60

Town/City of Residence

Village of Algonquin

Office Sought

Village board or city council

Party Affiliation (if a partisan race)

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No

Education

Hoffman Estates High School, Leadership training in U.S. Marine Corp.

Occupation

Midwest Regional Manage International Freight Forwarder

Campaign website

bobsmithfortrustee.com

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office

Algonquin Village Trustee 1993-2017, Economic Commission 2017 to present

The single most pressing issue facing our (board, district, etc.) is _______, and this is what I intend to do about it.

This has been a challenging year for all of us. The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted our sense of what is normal and placed a substantial hardship on our residents and local businesses within the Village. I will work to help our local business community come back stronger than before while working to keep our community safe and healthy for all residents so that we can all get back to our normal lives. I will see that we continue to work with State and Local offices as well as the school districts so that everyone can feel safe again.

Do you support Black Lives Matter and what are your thoughts on the demonstrations held since the death of George Floyd and the shooting of Jacob Blake?

Do you think the current board has done enough to support racial equality, and if not, what specifically should be done to do so?

What are your thoughts on the national and local coronavirus response? Do you favor measures such as limiting operation of non-essential businesses and restricting indoor/outdoor dining? And do you favor a local mask mandate?

What are your thoughts on the state and local coronavirus vaccine distribution, and how do you think local governments should work together to handle vaccine rollout?

What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?

I had the privilege of serving as an Algonquin Village Trustee for 24 years. During that time I worked to help make Algonquin a community we could proud to call our home. I have a proven track record of fighting for the residents and local businesses. I have worked to encourage economic growth that helped increase our sales tax revenue keeping the Village share of the tax bill down. I helped to make Downtown a destination again.
I have the experience and leadership needed to keep the Village moving forward.

If you are a challenger, in what way has the current board or officeholder failed the community (or district or constituency)

I did not support the way the Village Board handled the redevelopment of the Terrace Hill project. This was a major change and to the area and the residents should have been able to have come to the Village Board in person. The meeting should have been tabled until the Village Hall was back open even if only in small groups. The Village needs to support the local businesses and support new economic growth.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?

Over the years I have brought many ideas to the Board that have help improve our community. I led the effort to create the Village Recreation Department along with developing of our local parks and playgrounds for all of the residents to enjoy.
I worked to make our local streets safer by lowering the speed limits to 25 mph.
i fought for our local business allowing them to compete with other communities in our area. I worked on cleaner air and free leaf pick-up.
I worked to help keep the Village share of taxes low while providing the highest level of service to our residents.
I worked to help bring back the Village Hosting National Night Out events.

If you win this position, what accomplishment would make your term in office as a success?

The biggest success will for the Village to be fully open and people feeling safe again helping to bring community back stronger than before.
The completion of the Downtown redevelopment.
Increasing our business community bringing in more retail and commercial development to all of the Village Eastside, Westside and Downtown.
Continued development of our Recreation Department adding more programs and services to our residents.
Continued improvements to our local streets and Water and Sewer system.
Continued development to our local parks and playground. Working to open a Dog Park in our area.
Keeping the Village Share of the Property Tax down.

Why should voters trust you?

For 24 years I fought for the rights of the residents and to open the lines of communication to help make sure everyone was heard from. I have a proven record as a Village Trustee of keeping my word to our residents.

What are your views on fiscal policy, government spending and the use of taxpayer dollars in the office you are seeking?

The Village Manager and Staff have completed this years Budget. It is a balanced budget showing good use of the Village resources. As a Trustee I supported the efforts by the Village Staff to be fiscally sound putting in long term planning for the improvements needed in the Village.

Is there any reason you would not serve your full term of office, other than those of health or family?

NO

The best advice ever shared with me was:

My Father was diagnosed with M.S. at the age of 28 and had to use a wheelchair he never let it stop him from working to support his family. He also fought to make lives better for people with disabilities. The lessons I learned from him have helped me in my life and lead me to believe that you can overcome anything with courage and faith.

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

My Wife Dianne and I moved to Algonquin in 1987 to raise our family. I joined the Algonquin Jaycees in 1989. I quickly learned that Algonquin has a true sense of community along with a rich history. I first ran and was elected to the Village Board in 1993 I have the same commitment to making Algonquin the type of community we can all be proud to call our home.